The Fly-htmt 279 



I was not the only one to profit by its shade ; 

 I was generally surrounded by numerous com- 

 panions. Gad-flies of various species would 

 take refuge under the silken dome and sit 

 peacefully on every part of the tightly-stretched 

 cover. I was rarely without their society when 

 the heat became overpowering. To while away 

 the hours when I had nothing to do, it amused 

 me to watch their great gold eyes, which shone 

 like carbuncles under my canopy ; I loved to 

 follow their solemn progress when some part 

 of the ceiling became too hot and obliged them 

 to move a little way on. 



One day, bang ! The tight cover resounded 

 like the skin of a drum. Perhaps an oak had 

 dropped an acorn on the umbrella. Presently, 

 one after the other, bang, bang, bang ! Can 

 some practical joker have come to disturb my 

 solitude and fling acorns or little pebbles at my 

 umbrella ? I leave my tent and inspect the 

 neighbourhood : nothing ! The same sharp 

 sound is repeated. I look up at the ceiling, 

 and the mystery is explained. The Bembex 

 of the vicinity, who all consume Gad-flies, had 

 discovered the rich provender that was keeping 

 me company and were impudently penetrating 

 my shelter to seize the Flies on the ceiling. 

 Things were going to perfection : I had only to 

 sit still and look. 



